Coach Sulllivan downplays any Pittsburgh Penguins goalie strife with Tristan Jarry
Sullivan explains how Jarry took the news of his Sunday 'scratch'
The Pittsburgh Penguins have utilized three goalies through the first seven games of the 2024-2025 NHL season: Joel Blomqvist, Tristan Jarry, and Alex Nedeljkovic.
Nedeljkovic's preseason injury necessitated a delayed start and conditioning assignment with Wilkes Barre Scranton on Friday night. He played in Sunday's loss to the Winnipeg Jets.
Blomqvist and Jarry played in the other games with Blomqvist being the most effective and earning the most minutes. This was a surprise because Jarry was expected to be the stalwart during Nedeljkovic's absence. Jarry was reported "scratched" from Sunday's game with Ned getting the start and Blomqvist being backup.
Sullivan explained how Jarry took the news of being scratched on Sunday
To begin with, Sullivan clarified that Jarry was not scratched. He explained the decision for Jarry not to dress was part of a "comprehensive game plan" which addressed the fact that Jarry needs more time with goalie coach Andy Chiodo to be prepared for a backup role.
Sullivan said the plan is to "help Tristan capture his very best" and to "get his game back on track where it needs to be." He also noted that Jarry handled the situation "fine."
The 29-year-old Jarry has spent his entire career with the Penguins. He has played in 260 games starting in 249. In three games, he has allowed 12 goals with 61 saves for a goals against average of 5.47.
Three goalies are on the current road trip
The three goalies made this week's West Coast/Canadian road trip which includes a Tuesday 10/22 game at Calgary, a Friday 10/25 game at Edmonton, and a Saturday 10/26 game at Vancouver.
It is likely that Jarry's status will remain unchanged during the trip. What happens next Tuesday 10/29 when the Penguins play at home remains to be seen.
The Penguins are also getting solid goalie play from Wilkes Barre Scranton's Filip Larsson who logged his first AHL shutout on Saturday. Larsson's success could further complicate Jarry's and to some degree Blomqvist's situation since Larsson is playing the AHL minutes Blomqvist was expected to have.
The tale of the goalies is just one of the storylines the Penguins are dealing with in the early stages of the season. Stay tuned for upcoming plot twists.
manual